The Fight Infectious Diseases Foundation continues to establish itself as an international reference centre for training and research in infectious diseases. In recent months, two medical residents from Italy, Andrea Gaido and Silvia Dogliotti, have joined Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol to undertake a specialised training placement, drawn by the Foundation’s clinical expertise and strong research focus.
Both come from Turin, where they are completing their residency in Internal Medicine, and share a growing interest in infectious diseases, particularly in the care of patients with complex clinical conditions.
A leading clinical and scientific environment
During their stay, they are taking part in clinical rotations across different areas of the Infectious Diseases Unit. Most of their rotation is being carried out within the Infections in Immunocompromised Patients Group, and is complemented by rotations with the hospital’s general inpatient consultation team, the Bone and Joint Infection Group, and the Cardiovascular Infection Group. This training pathway allows them to gain a broad, cross-cutting view of the specialty while also benefiting from the highly specialised expertise of each team.
In addition to their clinical work, both doctors are developing research projects during their stay, taking advantage of the research ecosystem provided by the Fight Infectious Diseases Foundation. Andrea is involved in a research project focused on catheter-related bloodstream infections in cancer patients, an especially relevant issue due to the high risks these infections pose for this vulnerable group.
Silvia, meanwhile, is conducting a project on the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment in neutropenic patients, with the aim of ensuring effective and safe treatments while avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics in patients who are particularly complex due to their weakened immune defences.
Understanding the reasoning behind clinical decisions
Both Andrea and Silvia emphasise the strong educational value of the placement, particularly in relation to the rational use of antibiotics and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
As an internal medicine resident, Silvia explains that she was used to prescribing antibiotics in daily practice, but not always with a clear understanding of the reasoning behind each therapeutic choice. At the Foundation, she highlights that she is learning to better understand the clinical and scientific rationale underpinning each decision, something she finds especially interesting and motivating.
Andrea also values the opportunity to deepen his knowledge of complex infections and antimicrobial therapies — training that is difficult to obtain outside a highly specialised setting. Added to this is the cultural and linguistic experience: both are improving their Spanish (and even daring to try Catalan) and say they have felt welcomed and supported from the very beginning.
A young, close-knit and committed team
If there is one aspect they both particularly highlight about the hospital and the Foundation, it is the human environment. Andrea is especially impressed by the presence of young, highly skilled and enthusiastic teams, who combine scientific rigour with a collaborative and approachable working style.
Silvia echoes this view, praising the availability, patience and kindness of the professionals, as well as the many shared learning spaces, such as clinical sessions and case discussions. This environment not only fosters professional development, but also personal integration — even when language barriers remain a challenge.
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, both agree that this experience will have a decisive impact on their professional development. Andrea highlights the opportunity to work closely with highly experienced specialists and to gain insight into all stages of a research project, from its conception to scientific publication.
Silvia, for her part, stresses that she will return with a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases, appropriate antibiotic use and treatment duration — knowledge that will be essential in her future practice as an internist.
Beyond technical learning, both agree that they will return to Italy with something more: a strong sense of teamwork, collaboration, and a patient-centred and empathetic approach — as well as a small piece of the local culture and way of life.
A training placement they fully recommend
When asked whether they would recommend this experience to other professionals or students, their answer is unanimous: absolutely yes. Both describe the placement as enriching, stimulating and highly valuable, both professionally and personally.
The presence of Andrea and Silvia reaffirms the international vocation of the Fight Infectious Diseases Foundation and its commitment to professional training, knowledge exchange and excellence in the fight against infectious diseases.
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